Color Theoretical Challenges This oil painting ‘Neo Deco – 10-07-25’ demonstrates everything I know about color theory. In fact, it’s a search to converge all 6 main colours of the color wheel into a majestic scenery. A tall order you might say and I do agree. Didn’t the great Raphael once proclaim to only use a maximum of 5 main colors at the same time? Well, to some extent I do agree. The use of too many colors can lead to screamy kitsch. Almost as if Bob Ross would have set to work his palette with all colors of the rainbow on it. Therefor, using all six of them seems like wanting to have a taste of the forbidden fruit. However, in the past I already used all 6 before such as in my oil painting ‘Nina – 12-10-23’. The reason my inner urge directed me to used them all once more I will explain below. A Big Gordian Knot It all began with my graphite pencil drawing ‘Roundism – 05-07-16’ which I sold very quickly after its completion. For years I had this on my to do list of oils yet to start. I always thought of it to be a great cubist concept. Successfully merging cubistic body parts I knew this also held the potential of a grand painting. Somehow I had this concept of matching this mergance to the use of colours as well. Almost as if one would look at a display of mother of pearl-like colors. As stated above, a tall order and a big Gordian Knot. This time not one Alexander The Great would solve by simply cutting through it. Soon I found myself in big trouble because all colours were screaming at me in full force. both in the positive and the negative space. The Solution Consequently, this time the forms, composition and proportions weren’t the problem. Those have been sorted out by the prestudy in graphite pencil. For 95% of the time I have suffered because I was constantly looking at a big candy box full of screamy colors. Even though I tuned down many of the color saturation into more subdued colours the solution arrived only today.

Neo Deco – 10-07-25

Oil on portrait linen (60 x 80 x 2 cm)
Artist: Corné Akkers

Website link: corneakkers.com/neo-deco-10-...

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Gjon Mili’s Inspirational Influence This oil painting ‘Neo Deco – 07-05-25’ is an elaboration of a recent graphite pencil drawing ‘Neo Deco – 10-03-25’. Homage to Albanian photographer Gjon Mili. Last oil painting was from August 2024 so it was high time for a new one. In addition, I always have considered my drawings as prestudies for future oils to come. Now I come to think of it I have so many drawings that to my opinion are good enough to transfer to oil paint. If I only had enough time before time will catch up with me. Maybe I should paint more this year. Perhaps some outdoor sketching. Well, I don’t know really. The artistic wind may carry me to unknown destinations. 6 Main Colors Anyway, using your own drawing as reference is always a comforting thing. The composition is something to simply take over and then …? Sheer copying is out of the question. Therefor, the most natural inclination is to delve right into the realm of colors. There is true value added! And so I did but I have to confess something. Oh Lord, forgive me for I have sinned. Against the magic rule of max 5 colors according to Raphael’s law. In fact, I used them all (6) in this painting. Hence, it took me quite some time to complete this one. Once you set forth to use a complex color palette you know troubles are bound. Backlighted Initially I was in awe with the sheer beauty of the dress. Especially the backlight that turned the scenery into a spectacular tonal vision. For me that’s meat for the beast so I the drawing was finished quickly and with gusto. Now I come to think of it, that was the very reason I used all six main colours. That is, to depict the effect light has when it permiates through structures. You may say the colors I used have got nothing to do with reality or does it? In fact, you might be wrong. Light has the tendency to break up into the full colour spectrum of a rainbow. Furthermore, I strived for a perfect balance between cool and warm, and complementary colors.

Neo Deco – 07-05-25

Website link: corneakkers.com/neo-deco-07-...

Oil on linen (60 x 80 x 2 cm)
Artist: Corné Akkers

#art #neodeco #cubism #cubisme #roundism #rondisme #oil #painting #neodeco #artdeco #artcollector #collectingart #chiaroscuro #clairobscur #chiaroscuro #paintings #deco